In Defense of the Nation

In Defense of the Nation

In times of war and international conflict, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has made considerable contributions to the nation’s armed forces. The Order considers its work done to aid in the defense of the nation as one of its proudest and most lasting achievements.

In times of war and international conflict, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has made considerable contributions to the nation’s armed forces. The Order considers its work done to aid in the defense of the nation as one of its proudest and most lasting achievements.

World War I

Elks patriotism and generosity helped the nation to nation in World War I. In 1917, the Grand Lodge allocated $2 million to finance efforts to assist U.S. soldiers. The Order organized and equipped the first two base hospitals in France. To accommodate the maimed and wounded, the Elks build a 700-bed Reconstruction Hospital and gave it to the War Department in 1918. This was the first of what were to become the Veterans Administration medical facilities.

That same year, the Order build a 72-room Community House to take care of the families visiting the 40,000 soldiers stationed at Camp Sherman, Ohio. During the war, the Salvation Army was severely handicapped in its great efforts to aid servicemen by lack of funds. To make sure that this work continued, the Elks undertook campaigns to raise funds for the Salvation Army, and on many occasions the Elks assumed the entire cost of these undertakings. In addition, at Christmastime in 1918, the Order gave the Salvation Army $60,000 to continue its programs.

Following the war’s end, the Elks made 40,000 rehabilitation, vocational, and educational loans to disabled veterans who were ineligible for government help or who were waiting approval of their applications. This service was so effective that the government followed the Elks example and established a revolving fund that was the precursor of the GI Bill. More than 70,00 Elks served in the armed forces during World War I. More than 1,000 made the supreme sacrifice.

World War II

Throughout World War II, the Elks contributed to the war effort by providing for members of the armed forces both at home and abroad. By the time hostilities ceases, the Grand Lodge had spent more than $1.5 million, while local lodges spent hundreds of thousands of dollars more to provide assistance to our men in uniform.

During World War II, Elks lodges spearheaded local recruitment efforts, directly helping to enlist more than 142,000 men into the armed forces as well as thousands of construction specialist who dramatically aided the war effort. Additionally, more than 400 lodges conducted refresher courses that qualified thousands of young men for training as army flying cadets.

The Order also realized the need to boost the morale of servicemen stationed far from home. Across the country, the Elks sponsored 155 Elks fraternal centers, where GI’s were invited to relax, socialize, and enjoy the hospitality of the Elks. More than one million servicemen visited the center in New York City. For those serving overseas, the Elks prepared and sent care packages containing candy, personal grooming supplies, and other comforting items.

Korea and Vietnam

When war broke out in Korea in 1950, the Elks responded by sending gift packs to those serving their country as they had done in World War II. In 1951, the secretary of defense appealed to the Order for help in procuring blood for the wounded. Within a few months, Elks lodges obtained more than half a million pints.

During the Vietnam War, the Elks again answered the call by beginning the Letters from Home campaign. Elks member from across the country flooded our young servicemen and women with letters expressing gratitude for the sacrifices they were making on behalf of the nation. In addition to the letters, the Order provided care packages to soldiers.

Operation Desert Storm and Beyond

As in previous conflicts, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks stood ready to aid the men and women of the U.S armed forces when the Gulf War commenced. Once again, the Elks mounted a letter writing campaign to thank these patriots for their dedicated service, and gift packs for soldiers were provided as they had been in the past.

At the close of the Gulf War, many Elks lodges made arrangements to host ceremonies honoring the brave soldiers returning from the conflict in the Middle East, making the Order one of the first organizations to formally welcome these veterans home.

And now the Elks have stepped forward yet again to help our armed forces. Today the Army of Hop is charged with assisting the families of those in uniform with their needs at home.

Through these programs and many others, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has truly established itself as a leading force in promoting the values that help shape and strengthen the United Sates.